How did you get into racehorse ownership?
My father Paddy and all the Hassett family have been involved in racing for years around here in Killenaule, Tipperary.
What was your best day at the races and why?
The best day we had was when Master Speaker won at the Curragh in May 2015. Ryan Moore was riding and we got him for the ride through Jamie Spencer, who knows Kate’s father Paddy. The whole day was special for the family winning at the home of the classics in Ireland.
Master Speaker has been our best horse by far, winning over €100,000. He’s the star.
What is the biggest drawback about being a racehorse owner?
Niggly injuries which can set them back for ages. Then there are the other difficulties like expenses and the ground, the draw in a race etc.
In your experience, which racecourse in Ireland treats owners the best and why?
We’ve had fantastic treatment at the Curragh and Leopardstown. At the Curragh when we won they had us up for a drink which was appreciated.
Management at tracks are starting to cop on a bit as to how they treat owners and indeed trainers.
There are some country tracks though that could do with some improvement. They won’t even give you a voucher for a cup of tea, and if you have a losing day, you leave with your tail between your legs.
Flat or jump racing, which do you prefer and why?
Jump racing is the most exciting but the flat is the money spinner.
What qualities do you look for in a trainer?
Well from Kate’s point of view she knows that if she rings her trainer he will answer the phone! That must be the same for every owner.
Kate knows that we are capable of training horses. Many in the family have worked in Ballydoyle for Vincent O’Brien, the greatest trainer this country has produced so we must have picked up something.
What improvements would you like to see racecourses in Ireland do for owners?
When you walk into a track to have some kind of refreshment voucher for an owner is a welcome touch. For first-time owners if someone could be designated to greet them and show them the ropes it would be a friendly and encouraging gesture.
They might not know their way around or how the day unfolds and the trainers are occupied with the horses.
What significance do your colours hold?
We liked them because they are easily seen.
When buying a horse, what do you look for?
A good walker - a horse with a swagger about it. It’s a bit like a good looking woman you might pass and turn around and like the look of.
We go to all the sales, flat, National Hunt, they are great market places. The family are all involved.
Kate and my daughter Megan and their brothers ride out and have an interest in racing. It’s a family business.
What horses do you currently have in training?
Master Speaker and a point-to-point horse by Scorpion, Rockin Roxtown. He’s run twice in point-to-points and we like him. He’ll probably go for a bumper in the next couple of weeks.
What’s next on the agenda for your horses?
Master Speaker’s run last Sunday at the Curragh was so frustrating (sixth in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 'Bold Lad’ Sprint Handicap) we were only beaten about a length and three-quarters.
The horse tried 100% but you need luck in those kind of races and with that luck we would have won and I don’t say that lightly.
There is a race coming up at the Curragh soon which we might go for or if not we might go over to England.
Have you any horses to look forward to? (i.e. young/unbroken horses)
We will keep our eyes open for anything coming up.
What would help to make Irish racing more competitive for the smaller owner/trainer?
In jumps racing stop Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott!
The best thing is to oraganise a programme for the lower rated horses so that the smaller owner/trainer have a chance to win.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a racehorse owner?
The day after you buy a horse your money is gone. It’s back to the ATM machine from now on! It’s a luxury but we have been lucky over the years in buying and selling.
It’s not impossible to buy for €10,000 and sell for €100,000 but then of course you think about reinvesting and the money goes out again.
Racing is great, better than any drug, nothing like it for a buzz.
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Martin Hassett was in conversation with Olivia Hamilton.
If you would like to feature in The Owner please call 01 4051149
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The Association of Irish Racehorse Owners (AIRO) has secured agreement with the Association of Irish Racecourses for free admission to 107 race meetings in 2016 for owners who currently have a horse in training.
Details of the meetings are posted on www.irishracehorseowners.com and will also be listed in the new AIRO magazine, which will be sent to all members.